A Conversation with Marlies Verhoeven

Marlies Verhoeven Reijtenbagh is Co-Founder and CEO of The Cultivist, the world's leading global art experience company and membership club that offers unparalleled access to the art world. This year, Marlies graces our Honorary Committee, and we took the opportunity to ask her rapid-fire questions about her favorite piece of art/design from her collection, advice she would give to an entry level design collector, and more.

Art + Design Favorites

What’s your favorite piece of art/design in your own home or collection?

A sculpture by Harold Ancart that was hard to place due to space constraints, we boxed it in plexiglass and turned into a coffee table. It’s the best conversation starter. 

Who is your favorite artist to collect?

That’s an impossible task, there are too many. My eye always goes towards minimalist contemporary but I also love a beautiful Dutch Old Master portrait. Some young talents I love are LeeLee Kimmel, LaKela Brown, Eli Ping and N Dash. 

If you were designing your dream home, which pieces would you choose?

One of the carpets with Studio & Projects and the table at Maison Gerard. 

What exhibitors are you excited to see at the fair?

Galerie Negropontes - there is a surrealist ‘glasses’ piece that I can’t wait to see in person (by Agnes Baillon / Eric de Dormael).

What’s your go-to NYC spot for creative inspiration?

Walking around the city - this is the craziest and most creatively stimulating place on earth.

Lifestyle

What was your introduction to design?

I grew up in Antwerp amongst some of the best designers, architects and fashion. Not only that, the city is filled with beautiful old buildings across centuries - from Old Master to Art Deco. It was hard not to fall in love with design.  

Best design book / podcast / meme / blog / article you’ve consumed recently?

Ten Modern Houses by Peter Marino.

Advice

What’s your advice to an entry level design collector?

Google is your best friend. Nowadays, you can easily research a designer, gallery and even look for price comparisons. 

Plugs

What’s a recent assignment or project you’re proud of?

We just hosted the artists Elmgreen & Dragset for a lunch with our members in Paris. I love their work and some might recognize them from the Prada Marfa installation. 

What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?

The Cultivist will be creating a Morrocan tea house with artist Hassan Hajjaj for Miami Art Week including food by Rose Previte and performances by Kaytranada, Yussef Danes, Anderson Paak and more. I can’t wait to see it come to life.